Bon Jovi - Live From London (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Soundtrack	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	An Awesome Gig
Disadvantages:	Poor Content

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Bon Jovi where one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, they survived the decimation of hard rock by the grunge movement by refining their sound and sticking to their storytelling ethos. Above all that they had built up a rapport with their fans through extensive touring and their down-to-earth attitude; this allowed the band to still enjoy massive album sales and sold out stadium tours into the 1990s. This was proved with three sold out nights at Wembley Stadium in 1995; riding high off monster selling albums "Cross roads" and "These Days" Bon Jovi deliver a typically charismatic performance.

Filmed on a hot June 25th under the gaze of 72,000 fans this DVD finds all members on top form as they rattle through Bon Jovi standards and then new These Days album tracks (which are now standards) There is a real energy around the stadium which can be felt on the screen as the opening bars of "Livin' on a Prayer" sound around the hazy evening. The anticipation is warranted as Bon Jovi belt out their signature song with energy and gusto allowing audience participation to good effect. Before you know it "You Gave Love a Bad Name" has been and gone with a similar skill and passion.

Further along the set list a spectacular version of the massive hit "Always" awaits where Jon Bon Jovi emotes the feeling of the song willingly before a clearly happy crowd. A medley of "I'll Sleep when I'm Dead/ Papa was a Rolling Stone" followed by "Bad Medicine/shout" Gives the show a fresh injection and a sense of fun as huge blow up characters bounce around the stage. The back end of the Bon Jovi set sees the tone wound down as more sombre songs "Hey God" and "This Ain't a Love Song" are performed with an integrity which gives the songs gravitas.

TRACK LISTING

"Livin' On a Prayer"
"You Give Love a Bad Name"
"Keep the Faith"
"Always"
"Blaze of Glory"
"Lay Your Hands on Me"
"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead"
"Bad Medicine"
"Hey God"
"Wanted Dead or Alive"
"This Ain't a Love Song"
"Closing Credits"
"These Days" (Bonus Video)
"Logos"

The performance of Bon Jovi cements their reputation as one of the best live acts in the world of any genre. It is true Jon Bon Jovis voice lost some of its gravely edged vocal of the 1980s, but he still delivers a powerful and engaging performance which holds the crowd captivated (His real skill). Richie Sambora gives a master class in guitar playing, his economy of motion and clear passion for the instrument his both infectious and awe inducing. Tico Torres (Drums), David Bryan (Keyboard), and Hugh McDonald (Bass) give a solid platform for the songs to find their audience, and as a rhythm section are as good as anyone.

This DVD does have flaws. Originally Bon Jovis first full concert release it was available on VHS, the problem is when packaging it as a DVD, Universal have not added any extra content. The original concert if you were at the stadium pushed the three hour mark, this disc is ninety minutes long. With a concert of such quality it is hard to see why the full show wasn't put on the longer format technology. In-fact it is just a straight copy of the VHS with not even the picture or sound being sharpened. And the only extra is the song "These Days" played over a montage of backstage and the gig. Later Bon Jovi DVDs offered the content but lacked a little of the passion, this is the opposite and maybe it is time for a definitive visual Bon Jovi release.

These critiques do not however take away what is Bon Jovi at their very best and well worth buying.